Historic partnership offers Albany High students guaranteed admission to UAlbany
The City School District of Albany and the University at Albany announced a new partnership Monday that guarantees eligible Albany High School students admission to the university upon high school graduation.
The assured admission program is designed to support students as they transition from high school to college, connecting students with campus resources and giving them the security of preparing for college well before graduation.
Under the agreement, students who meet the program requirements — which include earning a 90 GPA and completing Algebra II or a higher-level math course with a grade of C or better — will be guaranteed admission to the university as first-year students.
UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez and Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter formalized the agreement in a signing ceremony and news conference in the high school library, joined by students, faculty, staff, elected officials and community partners to celebrate the historic agreement.
"Today isn’t a news conference, this is a rally," the superintendent said. "A rally for our students. A rally for Albany High School and everyone throughout our organization. A rally for public education and its power to change lives. ... This changes the game.
"Today’s agreement proves what we’ve always known: our students can, our students do, and our students will rise to every expectation placed in front of them."
President Rodriguez noted that the partnership will smooth the path to higher education for Albany High students and expand access to the University at Albany’s world-class academics and research for students from the university's own backyard.
"This program is a continuation of UAlbany’s commitment to serving the needs of our community and preparing the workforce that will move the Capital Region forward," he said. "I am grateful to our partners in the City School District of Albany for their collaboration on this transformative program.”
The program could benefit nearly 20% of Albany High’s graduating class annually, simplifying the college application process and removing much of the stress as well. The partnership builds a pipeline from Albany High to UAlbany and on to the Capital Region workforce, critically important to the future growth of the city and region.
“Workforce needs are evolving rapidly,” Hochreiter said. “Employers are searching for motivated, well-prepared, homegrown talent. Today’s agreement strengthens that pipeline and ensures more of our students pursue high-demand degrees – engineering, education, cybersecurity, healthcare, business, environmental science, data analytics – in Albany and the Capital Region.
"Imagine the impact on our hospitals, our tech companies, our schools, our manufacturers, our public agencies, our nonprofits. Imagine the economic vitality when more Albany graduates stay, learn, work and lead right here at home."
The partnership represents a shared commitment between UAlbany and Albany High to remove barriers that often stand between students and a college degree.
Students who enroll at the university will benefit from early access to academic advising, financial aid guidance and advisory support services. The university also will collaborate with Albany High counselors to provide application assistance and pre-college programming.
Students who meet the program requirements also will earn a merit scholarship.
"When young people know that college is not just a possibility but a plan, it changes how big they can dream," said Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs. "With this announcement, the University at Albany and Albany High School are removing barriers to higher education and creating exciting opportunities for our young people.
"I am so proud that my alma mater is working to retain our incredible local talent in this city and I look forward to seeing these students thrive. This is what it looks like when institutions come together to invest in the next generation of Albany's leaders."
State Senator Pat Fahy, a former president of the Albany Board of Education, noted research that has found that when qualifying high school students are offered direct admission to a local, in-state university like UAlbany, it can result in a 4%-8% increase in enrollment for that institution.
"Moreover, research shows that young women and students of color were more likely to enroll as a result of direct admission pipelines as well, opening the doors of higher education to more students who may otherwise not have that opportunity," Fahy said. "Simply put, admitting Albany High School students in good standing automatically to UAlbany will put the dream of achieving a higher education within reach for more and more Capital Region students. I want to commend both UAlbany and Albany city schools for reaching this transformative agreement, and for always putting the needs and interests of our students here in the Capital Region first."
Assemblymember Gabriella Romero said the agreement "opens real doors for our students right here at home."
"When students work hard and meet clear academic benchmarks, they deserve certainty and opportunity," she said. "This partnership sends a powerful message to Albany High students that their achievements matter and that higher education is within reach. Supporting our young people and removing barriers to education strengthens our schools, our workforce and the future of our community."
Hochreiter concluded by noting that the partnership shows the Capital Region, the state and the nation what Albany's young people are capable of.
"Today, we declare that our students deserve -- and now have -- opportunity at the highest level," he said. "Today, our story steps into the light.
"When public high schools and public universities lock arms, the entire community wins. And today, Albany wins."